N Oakland colleges expand alt transit options

metromode, 10/1/2009

Getting around northern Oakland County's commuter campuses is getting easier now that more transportation options are becoming available.

Both Oakland University and Cooley Law School's Metro Detroit campus are known for their large sprawling parking lots, landing pads for most students' mode of transportation to and from class. That's starting to change, if only a little.

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation has added Cooley Law School's Auburn Hills campus, which sits in the shadow of the Chrysler headquarters, to its list of destinations. Maps, routes and links can be found at the Campus Resources link here.

Oakland University has already signed up for SMART service, but is now expanding its transit options to pedal power with its launch of a Bike Share Program. The student-led initiative makes use of the honor system, providing 30 free-to-use bicycles to students at bike racks around the campus.

Another 23 bikes have been donated to the cause by students and staff since the program began earlier this fall. Organizers are finding a number of bikes left at the local parking lots, but are looking at adding more bike racks to improve availability and convenience.

Source: Oakland University
Writer: Jon Zemke

Rochester